The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has pledged to deal decisively with any operatives found culpable in oil bunkering in the Niger Delta.

Commandant-General Ahmed Audi gave the assurance in Abuja. He said NSCDC was investigating reports of collusion between some personnel and oil thieves in the region.

He said that the NSCDC had upgraded its standard operating procedure and code of conduct, providing adequate mechanisms of handling disciplinary cases.

“We have approved that we will carry out discrete intelligence and investigation on the role of our personnel that are allegedly involved in oil theft.

“I would like to assure Nigerians that as soon as we are through with the investigations, anybody that is found culpable will be severely sanctioned.

“To also add to that, what we did recently was to disband and reorganise the Anti-Vandalism Unit with the view to injecting fresh blood.

“So, what we did was that anybody who has served in the Niger Delta region for more than six months to one year is leaving that place and we will now bring new people.

“Let me also reiterate that as soon as we conclude investigations, we will try to make it public to Nigerians.

“Anybody no matter how highly placed, no matter his level or rank that is involved in colluding or conniving or in some form of compromise with oil thieves would be severely sanctioned,” Mr Audi added.

(NAN)